The document discusses the importance of women taking control of their finances. It notes that 90% of women will be solely responsible for finances at some point, and that after a divorce a woman's standard of living decreases by 23% while a man's increases by 10%. It recommends women get a financial plan in place rather than waiting for a crisis. Key life changes like marriage, divorce, or remarriage are times to consult a financial professional to discuss assets and beneficiaries. Overall it stresses the value of financial preparation and literacy for women today.

1. Womens-Journal.com
Finance
Don’t Wait for a Crisis!
Good Financial Planning is Essential for Today’s Woman
By Crystal L. Thies, Here’s some concerning sta- Getting married? A serious only to his heirs). consultation. Take advantage of
M.P.A. tistics: 90% of all women will discussion about financial phi- Changes in marital status the opportunity to find some-
be solely responsible for their losophies and how money and are pivotal times to consult a one you trust!
Crystal L. Thies specializes finances at some point in their assets will be mixed will help financial professional. Many 1National Center for Women and Retirement
in helping women take life1; after a divorce, a woman’s prevent financial arguments in financial planners – including Research, 1996
2Neale S. Godfrey, Making Change, 1999
standard of living decreases by the future. Pre-nuptial agree- myself – offer a complimentary 3Ibid.
control of their financial
23% while a man’s increases ments were once the tool of
lives. As a woman who
made significant sacrifices
in support of her own
by 10%2; and 85% of women
don’t put their financial plan to-
men to protect their family’s
assets, but are now used by sav- 90% of Women
gether until they are in a crisis3. vy women to help protect their Are Responsible for Their Own
husband’s career only to What does that mean? It own finances. Finances at Some Point in Their Lives*
find herself in a seriously means that women may be: Getting divorced? Talk to
weakened financial
position following an
making financial decisions
based mostly on emotion; not
your attorney about your fi-
nancial rights. Not all financial
Make Sure You Are Prepared!
unexpected divorce, Crystal in a position to take time to ties go away – particularly with Request your COMPLIMENTARY
understands the challenges explore the best options; and retirement and pension funds. 170 page Woman’s Guide to
costing themselves more mon- Married again? Good estate Investing today!
faced by today’s women.
ey and leaving themselves in a planning and the proper nam- Email your name and mailing
She offers comprehensive address to: cthies@finsvcs.com
weaker financial situation. ing of beneficiaries are critical
financial planning services
Generally speaking, the fi- to prevent unknowingly disin- Crystal L. Thies, M.P.A.
to single and married nancial life of today’s woman heriting your own children or Skylight Financial Group
1660 West 2nd Street, #850
women. Additionally, as looks quite different from that new husband. Common mis- Cleveland, OH 44113
part of her quest to increase of past generations. Women of- takes include leaving the ex- (216) 592-7355
cthies@finsvcs.com
financial literacy, she ten marry later in life and enter husband listed as a beneficiary
provides financial the partnership with their own and not having a will or only Crystal L. Thies is a registered representative of and offers securities, investment advisory
services and financial planning through MML Investors Services, Inc., member
planning seminars to large hard earned assets, and may a simple will that leaves every- SIPC. Insurance offered through Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company and other
and small groups. marry more than once and be- thing to the new husband (at fine companies. Supervisory Office: (216) 621-5680.
*National Center for Women and Retirement Research, 1996 CRN201007-108514
come part of blended families. his death all assets could flow
12 October ~ November 2008 The Cleveland Women’s Journal™ West Edition To Advertise Call 888-749-5994